Performing heavy-lift operations in cold weather isn’t just about braving chilly temperatures—it requires pilots and their teams to navigate the unique challenges that winter weather presents. Cold temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns can have a serious impact on a helicopter’s performance and a pilot’s ability to safely do their job. That’s why winter operations require additional technical considerations and preparation.
Thankfully, heavy-lift helicopter companies don’t leave anything to chance. They implement advanced anti-icing systems, meticulous flight plans, and other proactive strategies to tackle these cold-weather obstacles.
In this article, we’ll dive into the key winter factors that affect helicopter flight and explore the strategies and technologies that keep heavy-lift operations running smoothly—even when the thermometer plunges.
Cold Weather Factors That Impact Helicopter Performance
When winter rolls in, helicopters face a whole new set of challenges in the skies. From freezing temperatures that impact engine efficiency to the sneaky buildup of ice on rotor blades, cold weather can significantly impact performance. In fact, weather contributes to 28% of fatal rotorcraft accidents.
Here’s a closer look at the key factors every helicopter team needs to consider when performing heavy-lift operations in winter:
Lower Temperatures and Increased Moisture Levels
Cold air is denser than warm air and contains more oxygen by volume unit. That means flying in lower temperatures improves engine efficiency and increases helicopter lift despite using the same amount of engine power.
However, when combined with increased moisture levels, these factors lay the groundwork for the formation of ice, which can negatively impact helicopter operations.
Moisture can also transform into freezing rain, sleet, or snow, which can cause rapid and severe ice accumulation on various aircraft surfaces. Icing is most likely to occur between -4°F and 32°F. Extra caution should be taken any time the temperature and dew point are within 4 degrees of each other.
Decreased Visibility
Reduced visibility in unforecasted rainy, snowy, or foggy conditions poses a significant threat, as pilots may be unprepared for the loss of visual reference.
Landing an aircraft in low visibility can be particularly hazardous because rain, fog, and darkness impede a pilot’s ability to rely on visual cues and maintain spatial awareness. In fact, degraded visibility due to low illumination and clouds is responsible for the majority of fatal weather-related helicopter accidents.
“Pilots should recognize deteriorating weather conditions so the route of flight can be changed or a decision made to terminate the flight and safely land at a suitable area,” states the Federal Aviation Administration’s Helicopter Flying Handbook.
Ice Buildup
Ice buildup is another risk of flying in cold weather. A helicopter’s main rotor system generates rotor downwash capable of dispersing moisture and ice particles into critical areas, such as its engine and sensors, which exacerbate the accumulation of ice. Engines must be well protected to prevent flame outs and damage.
Ice buildup on rotor blades and fuselage also presents a serious challenge to pilots, as it can increase drag and decrease their ability to create lift, which affects the aircraft’s stability and maneuverability and impacts the pilot’s control of the aircraft.
Ice accumulations can also create:
- Decreased blade stall limits
- Increased vibration due to ice shedding
- Degraded autorotational ability
- Impacted range, endurance, and climb capability
Ice accumulation also adds weight, which poses the risk of exceeding the aircraft’s weight capacity and balance limitations.
How Heavy-Lift Helicopter Companies Overcome Cold Weather Obstacles
Cold weather can lead to increased workloads for pilots and aerial crews who must practice increased vigilance, do more extensive pre-flight preparations, monitor for potential icing, and adjust flight parameters as necessary.
Here are a few ways in which heavy-lift helicopter companies tackle cold weather challenges and ensure they are prepared for anything Mother Nature throws their way:
Anti-Icing Systems
Most modern helicopters have anti-icing systems to mitigate the risk of ice accumulation. These critical systems work behind the scenes to prevent dangerous ice buildup before it starts in order to prevent reduced performance and impacts to aerodynamics.
De-icing and anti-icing systems typically work by heating key surfaces using electrical elements or hot air from the engine, or by applying anti-icing fluids that prevent ice from forming in the first place. They may include engine inlet anti-icing mechanisms, heated rotor blades, windscreens, and hoist heaters.
For heavy-lift helicopters, anti-icing is especially important since aircraft handling heavy loads can’t afford the extra drag or lift loss. This proactive approach ensures aerial cranes can power through tough winter conditions while keeping pilots, crews, and cargo safe.
Extensive Training
Any helicopter lift service company you’re considering should have an extensively trained team with skilled and experienced pilots and experts who are well-versed in external load operations, aerial lifting techniques, and ground crew coordination. Rigorous maintenance and training protocols are essential for ensuring your cold weather lifting operation is carried out safely, efficiently, and with adherence to the highest industry standards.
Because cold weather lifting presents a series of unique challenges, pilots must be highly trained and experienced in performing lifts in all types of weather. They must know how to handle heavy loads, maneuver in tight spaces with low visibility, use complex de-ice and anti-ice systems, and ensure the safety of their crew and cargo in cold temperatures. This includes a deep understanding of how to combat anti-ice system failures, escape from icing conditions, and use other valuable systems, like radar.
At Helicopter Express, we believe that skilled pilots are the backbone of our operation. Our elite pilots and crew have honed their craft to perfection through intensive flight training and the execution of countless complex heavy-lifting operations in all types of weather. You can learn more about our heavy-lift services here.
Pre-Flight Planning
Flying a heavy-lift helicopter in cold weather with the potential for icing is no small feat, and thorough preparation is everything. Prior to any type of heavy-lift operation–whether for a construction project, utility installation, disaster relief, aerial videography, or heavy equipment transportation–helicopter teams must develop a comprehensive pre-flight plan.
This should include determining the optimal flight path, with consideration given to altitudes and routes that minimize exposure to severe weather. Alternative airfields should be selected in case things take a turn for the worse.
Crews must also perform a weather analysis to identify where potential icing conditions exist along the intended route, how severe they might be, and what escape routes exist if aircraft systems fail. To perform this analysis, crews can review meteorological aerodrome reports, terminal area forecasts, and other weather data such as icing forecasts and hazard reports.
If local airfield webcams are accessible, these can also help crews assess true conditions prior to departure.
“Plots should ensure that they not only receive a thorough weather briefing, but that they remain vigilant for unforecasted weather during their flight,” shares the Federal Aviation Administration’s Helicopter Flying Handbook. “The planned route should include preselected landing sites that will provide options to the pilot in the event a precautionary landing is required to avoid adverse weather conditions.”
Pre-Flight Inspections
Meticulous pre-flight inspections are required to assess areas of the aircraft that are vulnerable to ice impaction, including rotor blades, intakes, and sensors. If any of these features have been affected by frost, they must be properly defrosted and then reinspected.
If hazards are likely, crews must assess whether the aircraft’s de-icing and anti-icing systems are working properly and whether they should reroute or plan for an alternate day.
Loads may need to be adjusted to account for a potential decreased performance due to the cold, and communication systems (radio, warning air horns, etc.) must be inspected to ensure they are capable of performing in an emergency.
Fuel systems must also be examined for signs of water or ice contamination, as water can freeze or obstruct the flow of fuel and damage fuel lines and other components.
Crew Preparation
It’s vital that all aerial and ground crew members are properly prepped on how to manage the effects of unexpected ice accumulation, as this can increase the workload for the entire team and pull focus from other critical aspects of heavy-lift flights, including navigation and communication.
The ground crew must also be briefed on operational and emergency procedures.
Clear Communication
Pilots and aerial crew members must maintain frequent communication with air traffic control when temperatures drop and the weather starts to present tough conditions. It’s vital that pilots promptly share their concerns so that air traffic controllers may provide necessary information and assistance.
Use of Aircraft Hangars
When they are not performing heavy lifts, aircrafts should be kept inside to avoid needless contact with the elements, such as frost that can accumulate on rotor blades and windshields.
For example, Helicopter Express’ state-of-the-art North Georgia base contains a dedicated hangar space with room to house our entire fleet of over 30 helicopters, ensuring long-term protection of our aircraft and allowing for necessary maintenance.
Navigating Winter Skies with Heavy-Lift Helicopters
Operating aerial cranes in cold weather is no simple feat, but heavy-lift helicopter pilots and crews are well-prepared to rise to the challenge. By understanding how freezing temperatures, icing, and unpredictable weather impact flight performance, these experts can implement systems and plans to ensure all projects are completed safely and efficiently–despite inclement weather.
At the end of the day, winter flying is all about technology, preparation, teamwork, and expertise–something the experts at Helicopter Express understand well. Whether your heavy-lift mission requires helicopter crane services for construction, utility installation, disaster relief, aerial videography, or heavy equipment transportation, our extensive experience and well-maintained fleet guarantee your project will be completed to the highest standards.
Our crews have proved time and time again that they’re up to the task—even when required to perform in the cold. Learn more about our helicopter lifting services or reach out so we can discuss your project today.